This tutorial demonstrates How to Block Amazon Firestick & Fire TV automatic updates. It’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep control of your device.
Amazon frequently releases updates. These updates often either introduce new, often unwanted, apps or restrict the level of customization you have.
- They might add apps you don’t need, which reduces the space you have for other things.
- They can block the use of helpful tools like Launcher Manager and Wolf Launcher.
This guide is being written now because of the second issue, the blocking of customizations.
Reports indicate that the latest updates from Amazon are making it impossible to use third-party launchers. This has caused frustration among users who rely on these tools.
If you’ve applied those updates, Launcher Manager and Wolf Launcher (or any other launcher not made by Amazon) may not function as expected. They might not work at all.
Amazon Blocks Launchers with Fire OS Update
The problematic updates are:
Fire OS 6.2.8.7 NS6287/3768
Fire OS 7.2.7.3 PS7273/2622
There’s a way to check your current Fire OS version. If your version is older than the ones mentioned above, you might be able to prevent these updates. The video tutorial below will walk you through the steps, allowing you to keep using third-party launchers.
Fire OS 6 Users: If you have Fire OS 6.2.8.1 or a newer version, the tutorials won’t work for you to prevent updates.
Fire TV Cube Fire OS 7.2.4.2 Users: According to feedback, the tutorials are not effective for this version.
Fire OS 7 Users (Firesticks): If you have Fire OS 7.2.5.5 or an older version, both tutorials should be helpful.
To determine your Fire OS version, follow these steps:
1. Move your cursor to the Settings icon.
2. Choose My Fire TV.
3. Highlight Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or your specific device. The Fire OS version should be displayed on this screen.
How to Block Amazon Firestick / Fire TV Automatic Updates
You’ll discover two ways to stop those pesky Amazon Fire TV updates.
It’s recommended to begin with the TechDoctorUK Debloater Tool featured in the first video. If that method doesn’t yield positive results, you can try the manual approach outlined in the second video.
The TechDoctorUK Debloater tool offers a significantly faster and more streamlined process. Give that a shot first.
Fire OS 6 Users: Keep in mind that if your device is running Fire OS 6.2.8.1 or later, neither of these tutorials will effectively block updates.
Fire TV Cube Fire OS 7.2.4.2 Users: We’ve received feedback indicating that neither tutorial is currently working for this specific version.
Fire OS 7 Users (Firesticks): If you’re running Fire OS 7.2.5.5 or an earlier version, both tutorials below should successfully prevent updates.
NOTE: If you’re setting up a new device or performing a factory reset and want to prevent a forced update, refer to our guide below the videos. It’ll provide clear instructions on how to achieve this.
TechDoctorUK Debloater Tool
To simplify the process, consider using the TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer. It can be found at this link: Get TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer
Utilize the Remote ADB Shell App
Another helpful tool is the TROYPOINT App, accessible via Rapid App Installer. You can find it here: Get TROYPOINT App with Rapid App Installer
ADB Commands for Blocking Amazon Fire TV Updates
pm disable-user --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.ota.override
pm disable-user --user 0 com.amazon.device.software.otaADB Commands for Unblocking Amazon Fire TV Updates
pm enable com.amazon.device.software.ota.override
pm enable com.amazon.device.software.otaBlocking Updates After a Factory Reset or During Initial Setup
We extend our gratitude to a helpful contributor from the TROYPOINT Insider Forum. They shared these steps for preventing forced updates on Firestick and Fire TV devices.
This method involves a quick interruption of your internet connection during the update process.
An Ethernet Adapter offers the most efficient way to achieve this. However, unplugging your router can serve as an alternative if you don't have an adapter.
1. Begin the Firestick setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. When the device starts installing updates, promptly disconnect from the internet.
3. The update process will halt. You'll see a message indicating no internet connection.
4. Simultaneously press the back button and the Menu button (three vertical lines) on your remote. This action will activate the VoiceView accessibility feature. To exit VoiceView, simply press the back button again.
5. Restore your internet connection and proceed to log in to your Amazon account.
6. Disconnect from the internet once more. Then, complete the setup process.
7. Utilize any of the methods described earlier to block future system updates and maintain control over your device.